Spurs to kick into high gear with trials series

ORANA Spurs club coach Steve Tongue and his players will get straight down to business with a series of trials during the next couple of weeks - starting on Sunday.

The new Western Premier Football League will see a changed format for clubs who are now required to field just two teams - in first grade and under-20s.

Previously it had been 1st, 2nd and under-18s.

Tongue said it was important for the club to get a good turnout at the inter-club trials.

"With the changes we're going to have to do things a little different but I think we can do it," he said.

"Football NSW sees the new format as one to develop young players and in the past I think all our WPL clubs have been doing that - giving under-18s players good exposure in the higher grade of competition, in first grade particularly.

"That will continue from this year and I'm pretty sure that Orana Spurs will have a mix of experienced first graders and up and coming young guys in our top side."

Tongue said with clubs restricted to have just two teams to play on Sundays, he was hoping to see more clubs coming on board.

"It's only early days but I'd like to think the competition will be expanded, and that will be only good for the game at the level," he said.

"The other aspect of the competition that hasn't yet been confirmed are the start times for games on Sunday. I'd like to see us start the under-20s at 11am and have first grade at 1pm - instead of 3pm.

"This would help our Dubbo clubs, particularly when we have to travel away to Lithgow and would allow us some time on the road in daylight hours.

"For home games the early finish would allow us to hold more club functions after the games.

"We'll look to see what happens in regard to the start time of games."

Tongue will be heading the coaching staff for both first grade and under-20s and would like to see a big turnout for the trials on Sunday.

"It will be a 6pm start and I'm looking forward to it and seeing who is available for the season," he said.

"We will have the same trials the following weekend and then probably get down to midweek training to prepare for the season.

"I do urge anyone interested in having a run for us in seniors or under-20s, please call in at Lady Cutler from 6pm Sunday."

Spurs will also field an All Age Women's side again this season while there is some hope that the club will also be in the All Age Men's competition.

"All Age Men will depend on how many players we get as our main aim is to give everyone a game of football," Tongue said.